Aidan Goulart is a graduate student in the Master of International Public Policy program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, specializing in Human Security and Digital Policy Innovation. Prior to attending BSIA, Aidan graduated from the University of Western Ontario, earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Relations, and a certificate in the Study of Law and Public Policy.

Previously, Aidan worked at the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Minister’s Office on policy, operations, and stakeholder relations issues, liaising across government, community partners, and the private sector. During this time, he advised the Minister and supported Ministry staff in responding to Ontario wildfires, land management, and economic development; interacting with industrial companies and sectoral associations.

During his undergraduate studies, Aidan interned at the United Nations for the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See, where he monitored the activities of its principal organs and devised briefing materials for circulation around central offices in Rome. Furthermore, Aidan represented the Holy See at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), and the Fourth Review Conference (RevCon4) for the UN Program of Action (UNPoA) on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). He covered and researched issues on the Palestinian Question, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), human rights, and peacekeeping.

Aidan also worked as a Research Analyst for the Leadership & Democracy Lab and the Informal International Relations Lab, two student-led think tanks at Western University, Trent University, and King’s University College. His research and writing focused on informality in global diplomacy, with particular emphasis on the African Union, and the Canada-US auto trade and the implications for Canadian businesses amid the trade war. He also served as a student leader on the King’s University College Students’ Council, advising faculty and administration on institutional development and presenting student concerns before general meetings.

Beyond his academic career, Aidan has worked and volunteered extensively in homeless outreach and community development, particularly in his hometown of London, Ontario where he’s journeyed with those beset by food insecurity, drug addiction, and mental illness. He is also a lifetime member of Development and Peace Canada, the Canadian member of Caritas Internationalis. These experiences have led Aidan to the conviction that good public policy integrates considerations of human fragility, potential, and differing perspectives.

At the Balsillie School, Aidan hopes to focus his research on international institutions and digital governance, particularly on how emerging technologies used in defence can also augment humanitarian and development efforts. Moreover, the growing use of autonomous weapons systems in conflict zones is of intrigue to Aidan, where he hopes to brainstorm potential regulatory frameworks for the use of these systems.

After the completion of the MIPP program, Aidan hopes to pursue a career in foreign service, consulting and government relations, or international development, at the intersection of policy research, national defence, and humanitarian diplomacy.